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Auckland Council’s latest attempt to regulate freedom camping has been given the thumbs down by the Rodney Local Board.
Members say the proposed legislation, which would exclude all reserves from a new freedom camping bylaw, could lead to an increase in nuisance for local residents by forcing campers onto roads and other inappropriate places.
“The proposed bylaw, in excluding reserves, is being driven by an urban lens which is not in the best interests of rural Auckland,” members said in their feedback.
“A number of the reserves in the Rodney Local Board area are popular freedom camping sites, and the prohibition of freedom camping at these sites will restrict the number of desirable sites for freedom campers, and negatively impact the local economy.”
Council’s draft proposal includes allowing restricted freedom camping at five sites in Rodney:
• 8 Church Hill, Warkworth
• Parry Kauri Park, Warkworth
• the carpark on the road reserve next to Whisper Cover, at 70 Kokihi Lane, Snells Beach
• Port Albert Wharf Reserve
• outside Wellsford Community Centre.
It would also prohibit freedom camping parking areas at Leigh Library, Pakiri Hall, Ti Point walkway and Warkworth Town Hall.
These restricted and prohibited areas were originally recommended by Council’s bylaw panel in 2019, but now have all the reserves removed.
Board members have “strongly requested” the Governing Body to review its decision to exclude reserves and have asked for the chance to nominate specific reserves as freedom camping sites as part of the schedule of exceptions.
They also said freedom camping at the Wellsford Community Centre would be inappropriate, as the carpark was regularly filled to overflowing, expressed concern that Council would not be able to enforce the new bylaw and suggested its name should be changed to the Responsible Camping Bylaw, “to reflect the expectation of campers and the intent of the bylaw”.
Council staff will present local board views and a finalised proposal to the Governing Body on September 23, followed by a public consultation period.
Info: See item 18 on the Rodney Local Board agenda from August 18 https://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2021/08/RD_20210818_AGN_10657_AT_WEB.htm
